Here's Exactly How to Prep Your Legs for Shorts Season

Sun's out, legs out. That's how it works, right? Well, if you've been living in leggings and sweats all semester long, you're probably dealing with some annoying stubble. That's why we got the pros to spill the secrets to your smoothest legs ever. Because hitting the quad, beach, or pool with as much confidence as humanly possible is *everything*.

1. Exfoliate — the right way.

Yes, you've been doing this wrong all this time. Body scrubs are not your friend when it comes to shaving. They can cause irritation, especially if you use them right before a shaving sesh, explains Kenneth Mark, M.D. a cosmetic dermatologist based in Colorado. A better choice: A moisturizer infused with exfoliating alpha hydroxyl acids like lactic-acid-spiked Amlactin Moisturizing Body Lotion $12.49. Heads up though, apply it before bed rather than right after shaving, otherwise the skin-sloughing ingredients might sting — so not cute.

2. Use a life-changing razor.

Not all razors are created equal. For a smooth and close finish, Dr. Mark says to look for one with multiple blades and with a head that flexes to glide over the contours of your leg so you don't nick your ankle again. Try the Schick Hydro Silk Razor, which keeps your legs moisturized for up to two hours after shaving. In other words: a busy girl's dream!

3. But toss it out often.

For the smoothest legs ever, you've got to change out your razor on the reg. Annoying, yes, but if the blades get dull (and they will), they can drag on your skin and cause all sorts of irritation and problems. Not exactly what you need when you've got finals to study for! But, the easiest way to remember is to hang refills in your shower! Schick Hydro Silk Shower Hanging Refills actually come with a handy little hanger and waterproof packaging, so you don't have to get out mid-shower and flood your floor.

4. Choose a moisturizing shaving cream.

You might be tempted to reach for shower gel instead of shaving cream out of convenience, but stop! It can give your skin a major freak out. Shaving creams and gels are designed to give you more slip without clogging the razor blades; shower gels are not. Look for a moisturizing formula like Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Raspberry Rain. The formulation, which includes vitamin E and olive butter, will up the silkiness factor.

5. Lighten your grip.

If you're getting a lot of razor burn, how you're holding the handlecould be to blame, says Dr. Mark. Pushing too hard on your skin leads to redness and those not-so-cool bumps. The fix? Just try lightening the pressure you use as you drag the razor over your legs — that's it!

6. Reach for self-tanner.

If you want to fake a sun-kissed ~glow~, a self-tanning moisturizer can help add a hint of a color — even if you're still stuck in class all day. Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiance Gradual Tanner and Body Lotiongives you a subtle tan over several days so there aren't any obvious surprises when you're taking selfies.

7. Moisturize like a pro.

To help keep freshly shaven legs super smooth, in addition to using a razor with hydrating benefits, obsess over moisturizing. New York City-based dermatologist Jennifer MacGregor of Union Square Laser Dermatologysays to use body lotion with major moisturizing ingredients like ceramides — these little wonders help reinforce your skin's moisture barrier to hold off dryness longer. Try CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, but use it within three minutes after toweling dry, so your skin is still damp and can lock in all that moisture.

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